Partner work
Before trying to
manipulate the situation into something else,
one must always experience it exactly as it is.
As the situation changes one must be with, and open to, what is now.
Skill in boxing does not come from any effort to do the right thing at the
right time,
but rather from surrendering to the demands and allowing them to determine
your actions.
One must always include their partner in their experience.
There is an integrity to this art that transcends personality or conscious
self-experience.
There is no room for thoughts; no gaps in time or awareness.
There is no relationship, no you and no them.
(Ron Sieh)
Working together
Our school of tai chi involves quite a lot of partner work.
Unlike yoga or pilates, tai chi is concerned with your body working in
relationship with
someone else.
Partner work encourages you to feel what is happening within your own body
and how that can affect somebody else.
It also enables you to explore how the actions of others
can affect you.
Consideration
It is very important to be considerate of your partner and keep their
wellbeing in mind at all times.
Partner work is a forum through which you can explore the syllabus, so each
person needs to work with the other person rather than against them.
If your partner is struggling, assist them.
If they are finding it too easy, try to gently challenge them.
Right conduct is an important part of martial arts training; your
attitude says what sort of person you are.
Our school has a
code of conduct that all students must
follow during the class.
Safety
In self defence training there can be a tendency towards more vigorous
training.
Again, consideration is the key.
The degree of vigour
and realism must be tempered by
restraint
at all times.
Even if your partner is wanting a tough workout, you still need to be
careful not to injure them.
Work with your
partner not against them.
If your partner is in pain or discomfort, be considerate and ease off.
They are either doing something incorrectly or you are being too vigorous
relative to their ability level.
Tutoring
Students are asked not to tutor one
another. Leave the teaching to the teacher.
You are quite welcome to give the following advice to your practice partner:
You are tense
You are using force against me
You are banging against me
You are just using your arms
You are being clumsy/rough/brutal/holding my throat
You are trying it on
You have lost your composure
You are leaning
You are off-balance
You are not making contact when you strike
These are easily observable faults and
you do not need to be a teacher to see them.
Tapping
If your partner feels trapped or uncomfortable and taps you
twice, let go.
This ensures that you cannot injure somebody inadvertently when practicing
escapes.
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Page created 6 May 2000